Teacher admits boy's manslaughter

A geography teacher today admitted the manslaughter of a 10-year-old boy who drowned during a school trip to the Lake District.

Max Palmer died trying to cross a 10ft-wide stream swollen with water after heavy rain.

His mother, Patricia, 37, a teaching assistant who was also on the outing, watched in horror as Max was swept 100 metres downstream. She almost died in her efforts to save him.

Today Paul Ellis, 42, of Blackpool , pleaded guilty to manslaughter. He had earlier pleaded not guilty and was expected to go to trial before changing his plea at Manchester Crown Court this morning.

Opening the case, Alistair Webster, prosecuting, said: "No doubt this represents a tragic end to the career of this defendant." Mr Webster added that the tale of Max's death was a "harrowing" one.

Fourteen pupils from Fleetwood High in Lancashire went on the trip to the tourist village of Glenridding, Cumbria, in May last year, supervised by Ellis.

Max, from nearby Shakespeare Primary School, only joined the party because his mother was a teaching assistant at Fleetwood. He tackled the outdoor pursuits on the weekend along with the older students.

The tragedy occurred as the boy tried to cross a swift-flowing stream. Both Max and his mother were pulled from the water unconscious by Patterdale Mountain Rescue Team who were on exercise in the area.

Mrs Palmer was resuscitated but her son was pronounced dead at the scene.

A five-month investigation was launched and Ellis was charged with unlawful killing in October.

He had previously pleaded guilty to a second offence under the Health and Safety at Work Act, admitting that he failed to prevent the risk of injury, hypothermia or drowning to Mrs Palmer and teachers Bruce Buddon and Gareth Rooney.

Ellis, who has a mountain leadership qualification, made a risk assessment before jumping into the stream. The case continues.